Report on mandibular remains of Notiomastodon platensis (Mammalia, Proboscidea) and review of its fossil record in the paleoecological context of Valle del Cauca, Colombia

The Proboscidea were very prominent in South American ecosystems during the Pleistocene and part of Holocene. Specifically, Valle del Cauca (Colombia), fossils these large mammals have been found, reflecting an abundant presence region. In this work, a mandibular fragment with complete last molar (m3) is reported, found near bed River, Juanchito municipality Santiago de Cali. According to morphological features specimen, it proposed that remains belong proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis. This study emphasizes geographical distribution America, including Cauca, provides new information on its Colombia. paleoecological context, work supports generalist condition based use food resources associated tropical dry forest processes glacial interglacial fluctuation type ecosystem experienced epoch led various changes habitat aridity, fragmentation, heterogeneity. Keywords: Notiomastodon, Quaternary, paleoecology, megafauna, America.